Pathology

Description: The Breast Service reviews over 2,000 consultation cases and 1,000 core needle biopsies each year. Breast specimens from surgical procedures performed at BWH, 1,300 per year, may also be reviewed at the request of the staff pathologist. In addition, the Breast Service evaluates immunohistochemical studies for estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2/neu.
 
Fellows participate in two tumor board conferences each week and present the pathologic findings for the patients discussed. This is an excellent opportunity to for them to learn how medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons use pathologic information to guide the treatment of patients. Radiologic guided core needle biopsies are reviewed at a conference with radiologists and surgeons every other week. The imaging features of benign and malignant lesions on mammography, ultrasound, and MRI are presented and correlated with the pathologic findings. There is a weekly multi-disciplinary didactic conference on breast cancer with topics ranging from basic science to treatment protocols.  Fellows are expected to participate in the teaching of medical students and residents and are encouraged to pursue a clinical research project. Training periods can be adjusted to the needs of Fellows, but typically consist of three month blocks.